By Nelson Ayivor
President John Dramani Mahama has departed Accra for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 39th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The high-level summit brings together African leaders, policymakers, and heads of multilateral institutions to deliberate on the continent’s political, economic, and social priorities at a critical moment in global and regional affairs.
The Assembly is expected to focus on issues of regional integration, development financing, peace and security, and Africa’s collective voice in global governance.
President Mahama’s participation comes against the backdrop of Ghana’s renewed emphasis on continental cooperation, Pan African solidarity, and reform oriented engagement within multilateral institutions.
During the summit, President Mahama is scheduled to lead and co host several high level engagements on behalf of the African Union. His assigned responsibilities include discussions on reparations, gender equity, and financial inclusion, areas that have gained renewed urgency across the continent.
These themes align closely with Ghana’s current diplomatic posture, being championed by the Mahama administration, which seeks to combine economic reform with social justice and inclusive growth.
According to officials familiar with the programme, the reparations dialogue will examine Africa’s historical injustices and their continuing economic and social consequences, while exploring coordinated continental strategies for global advocacy.
Engagements on gender are expected to emphasise women’s participation in governance and economic life, while financial inclusion discussions will focus on expanding access to finance for underserved populations, particularly youth and small enterprises.
President Mahama’s role in these sessions underscores Ghana’s intention to remain an active contributor to shaping policy debates within the African Union rather than limiting its participation to formal plenary sessions.
Addis Reckoning and the Accra Reset
A central highlight of President John Dramani Mahama’s engagements in Addis Ababa will be a high-level breakfast meeting dubbed “Addis Reckoning,” which he will host on Saturday, 14th February 2026.
The event is linked to the Accra Reset initiative, a policy framework that seeks to reposition African economies through structural reform, accountable governance, and stronger regional collaboration.
The breakfast meeting is expected to attract fellow African leaders, senior AU officials, development partners, and representatives of international financial institutions. Discussions will centre on how African capitals can take ownership of reform agendas while building resilience against external shocks.
The Accra Reset initiative will be presented as a practical example of how domestic reform efforts can be aligned with continental priorities, offering lessons that may be adapted by other African countries navigating similar economic transitions.
Beyond the formal AU sessions, President Mahama is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with other African heads of state and leaders of multilateral organisations.
These engagements are aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, exploring economic partnerships, and advancing Ghana’s interests within regional and global forums. He is also scheduled to participate in an Italy-Africa Forum, where discussions will focus on trade, investment, infrastructure development, and migration.
Ghana’s participation in the forum reflects its broader strategy of diversifying partnerships while leveraging Africa’s collective bargaining power in engagements with European partners.
Officials say the bilateral meetings will cover cooperation in areas such as energy, climate adaptation, digital transformation, and development finance, with an emphasis on practical outcomes rather than symbolic declarations.
First Lady Attends OAFLAD Summit
Also in Addis Ababa is the First Lady, Her Excellency Lordina Dramani Mahama, who is attending the summit of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development.
The OAFLAD summit brings together first ladies from across the continent to coordinate advocacy on health, education, women’s empowerment, and social development. Mrs Mahama’s participation highlights Ghana’s support for initiatives that place social policy and human development at the centre of Africa’s progress.
The OAFLAD meeting is expected to address maternal and child health, gender based violence, and access to education, while also exploring partnerships to scale up successful community interventions.
President Mahama’s presence at the AU Assembly comes as Ghana seeks to reinforce its role as a constructive voice in continental affairs. Since assuming office, the administration has signalled its intention to combine domestic economic stabilisation with proactive diplomacy, arguing that Africa’s challenges require coordinated responses.
Ghana’s emphasis on reparations, inclusion, and institutional reform resonates with growing calls across the continent for a more assertive African agenda within global governance systems. By hosting side events and leading discussions, Ghana positions itself not only as a participant but as a convenor of ideas and dialogue.
President Mahama and the First Lady are expected to return to Accra on Monday, 16 February, following the conclusion of the summit and associated meetings. The outcomes from the AU Assembly will feed into Ghana’s ongoing policy discussions, particularly in areas related to economic reform, social inclusion, and foreign relations.
As the African Union continues to navigate complex global dynamics, Ghana’s active engagement at the 39th Assembly reflects a broader commitment to collective action, shared responsibility, and a renewed vision for Africa’s place in the world.